SUPP Expresses Concern Over Pig Farm Issue

(Sibu, 19th) The controversy surrounding pig farms in Tanjong Sepat, Selangor has reignited public discussion regarding political representation and accountability. Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) has expressed concern over the Democratic Action Party's (DAP) handling of the issue after taking office.
SUPP Dudong Branch Chairman Huang Zhenyuan pointed out that this issue has lingered for a long time, yet DAP, as a constituent party of the Selangor government, has seldom spoken up for pig farmers, resulting in the continuous escalation of the problem.
“This inevitably causes the Chinese community to question: where is the party which once championed justice heading now?” he said.
Huang Zhenyuan noted that when DAP was still in the opposition, its leaders publicly stood together with pig farmers, even blocking bulldozers to stop demolition actions, and criticized the government for being ruthless and ignoring farmers’ livelihoods.

“Are they now becoming the very politicians they once despised?” He raised this question in a statement issued during the “Kopitiam Talk” mobile service event co-organized by SUPP Dudong and Sibu Jaya branches at an eatery in Sibu Jaya yesterday (Jan 18).
Huang Zhenyuan, who is also the SUPP Central Assistant Secretary of Publicity and Information, recalled that in 2007, then DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng opposed the Melaka state government’s decision to close some pig farms, emphasizing that pig farming was neither illegal nor immoral, and questioned why the industry was being targeted.
He said that at the time, Lim Guan Eng also called on MCA and Gerakan to ensure no pig farms would be forced to close; while his father, then Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang, criticized MCA for failing to defend pig farmers' rights.
“So, should Lim Guan Eng now be asking his counterparts in Selangor the same questions? Should Lim Kit Siang also query DAP, or even Pakatan Harapan, on why they have failed to stand up for pig farmers today?” Huang Zhenyuan said.

He added that former Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu had also publicly criticized the Selangor government, claiming it “first cut off the farmers’ lifeline, then made empty promises.”
According to Huang’s citation, Ronnie Liu pointed out that when the issue escalated and attracted the attention of the Sultan and the media, the state government’s initial response was not to improve regulations, grant a transition period or provide guarantees, but instead to revoke licenses, order cessation of operations, and label pig farmers as illegal operators.
Huang Zhenyuan also mentioned that in the 2023 Selangor state election, DAP won all 15 seats it contested, reflecting the Chinese community’s high expectations of the party; among them, four DAP representatives were appointed as state executive councillors, constituting 40% of the state cabinet.
“On the surface, it appears the Chinese community need not worry about representation in the inner core of power; but in this pig farm crisis, pig farmers have not witnessed DAP leaders standing out for them like before. Instead, it is non-ruling parties like MCA voicing their support.” he said.

According to media reports, pig farms in Tanjong Sepat have been unable to renew their licenses since January 1 this year, and were subsequently required to meet conditions such as ‘zero discharge’, ‘closed system’, and ‘buffer zone’, while licenses must be renewed every six months.
The Selangor government later announced plans to establish a centralized pig farming area in Bukit Tagar, relocating the affected pig farmers.
Huang Zhenyuan pointed out that these developments alone are enough to explain the anxiety and confusion faced by the 111 affected pig farmers.

He said upgrading facilities or relocating pig farms requires huge capital investment, and in the face of unclear policies, farmers are naturally hesitant to act, while fearing the consequences of inaction.
“We support pig farms operating in an environmentally responsible manner, and taking into account the sensitivities of our Muslim friends. As evident from media interviews, many pig farmers are willing to upgrade their facilities to reduce pollution.
“However, the Selangor government’s hasty, non-transparent, and poorly communicated approach only causes them greater panic.” he added. Huang Zhenyuan is also Deputy Chairman of the Sibu Rural District Council.